Ademola Adeleke has urged Osun residents to disregard threats and turn out in large numbers for the August 15 governorship election, as political parties and campaign groups raise concerns over security, neutrality and public accountability ahead of the poll.

Speaking during a church service in Osogbo, Adeleke accused leading members of the All Progressives Congress of resorting to violence because, according to him, the electorate had rejected the party. He told worshippers that the safety of voters remained his priority and encouraged them to vote according to their conscience.

Adeleke said his administration’s record in workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure and agriculture would form the basis of his campaign. He expressed confidence that voters would support him and called on residents not to allow fear to keep them away from polling centres.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council warned that the political atmosphere in the state remained unsettled. At a press conference, its Deputy Director General, Alimi Kolapo, alleged that 46 Accord Party leaders and other opposition figures had been marked for arrest before the election. He called on the Inspector General of Police and other security authorities to investigate the claims and ensure that law enforcement agencies were not used against political opponents.

Kolapo also demanded the release of Taofeek Akinyemi or his immediate prosecution before a court if there was a legitimate case against him.

In another development, Accord presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo Hashim urged party members in Osun to remain united despite his criticism of Adeleke’s conduct. After receiving a report from a seven member stakeholders’ committee, he said the party’s electoral future should not be undermined by the actions of any individual.

Olawepo Hashim described Adeleke as disloyal to the party but said he would not respond by working against Accord in the state. A support group associated with him also rejected the reported endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ambition by Adeleke and some party officials, arguing that Accord had already chosen its presidential candidate through a nationwide direct primary held on May 30, 2026.

The African Action Congress also criticised the APC, Accord and African Democratic Congress candidates for staying away from a governorship debate. Its candidate, Olajide Esan, said the absence denied voters an opportunity to examine the candidates’ plans and records. He argued that anyone seeking to govern the state should be prepared to face public scrutiny and defend proposed policies.

Separately, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye called on the police commissioner deployed for the election, Samuel Etaifo, to maintain neutrality and provide adequate protection before, during and after voting. He said a credible election could only take place in a peaceful environment and urged security personnel to protect both voters and the integrity of the ballot.